Page 55 of Lost Hours
“Actually, I did. Not illegal anymore, but the report showed marijuana in his system.”
“Really?” Mina asked. “The mayor was high at lunch?”
“I wouldn’t say he was high, but I would say he was taking marijuana for pain.”
“What kind of pain?” Nolan asked.
The doctor pointed to the mayor’s abdomen. “His body is riddled with cancer. In my opinion, he had, at most, a couple of months left to live.”
“Man, that’s hard news to take.” Mina ran a hand around the back of her neck. “I wonder if he told anyone? I mean, if he told Daisy, she didn’t mention it. If she knew, I think she would’ve said something.”
Nolan processed the news. “It could explain the times he was away from the office when Daisy didn’t know where he went. He might’ve been undergoing chemo or radiation or just going to doctors’ appointments.”
“I suppose he could’ve done all of that without anyone knowing it,” Osborne said. “Even if he lost his hair.”
“Right, because he already shaved his head.” Nolan gave the situation more thought. “We need to follow up with Daisy. See if she knew about this, then take some time to figure out what it could mean for his murder.”
“You think the cancer could be playing a part?” Mina blinked up at him. “Like maybe he hired someone to end his life so he didn’t have to go through the decline in dying?”
Could that be it, and they weren’t looking for a cold-blooded murderer? “I hadn’t thought of that, but now that you mention it, it’s a possibility.”
“It would be an odd way to do it, though,” Osborne said. “So violent.”
“Very odd, and why hire someone when he could simply have turned a gun on himself?” she asked.
“Maybe he didn’t want anyone to know he committed suicide,” Nolan said. “Maybe he has an insurance policy that pays out to Becca, and he wanted to make sure she got that money.”
Mina gave a vigorous nod. “We’ll have to check for that policy, then, won’t we?”
They would. Without a doubt.
Was this invasive cancer actually linked to their investigation? Nolan didn’t know, but it was a possibility, and one they couldn’t ignore if they were to bring his killer to justice.
15
Nolan had eaten at the Rusty Hull a few times, and he highly recommended the food. He also recommended the atmosphere. The laid-back, dimly lit, remodeled fishery had multiple rooms, all decorated with nautical items. Not in-your-face kinds of things, but rusty old items that looked like they’d been at the bottom of the ocean for years.
Nolan stopped to inhale the savory scent of fried seafood mixed with the pungent smell of today’s fresh catch lingering in the air. His queasiness had subsided on the drive over, and his stomach gave a loud growl of approval.
If Mina noticed, she didn’t let on, but went straight to the greeter. He hung back to observe.
The greeter stand was positioned near the door. Fresh fish and oysters on the half shell in refrigerated cases stood next to a tank with live lobsters. Diners could pick up their seafood of choice on the way in and have it cooked to their specifications, or as in the case of the oysters, served raw on the half shell.
“Afternoon, Amy,” Mina said.
“Hey, Sheriff.” The young blond woman in a white blouse and black pants fidgeted with her hands sitting on the wooden stand. “Take out as usual, or are you wanting a table today?”
“I’m here for information about Mayor Sutton,” Mina said, skipping any social niceties.
“Ernie?” A broad smile lifted Amy’s mouth. “He’s one of our regulars. The sweetest guy ever. What can I tell you?”
“Did he have lunch here yesterday?”
Amy put a finger on her chin. “You know, he comes in so often I’m not sure.”
“Is there anyone here who could confirm it for us?” Mina asked.
“Paisley.” She smiled again. “He has a regular table, and she’s always his server. She would know.”
